Mr. Robert “Pappy” Yates, age 89, Gray, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 20, 2013 at the NHC Healthcare Center of Johnson City.

Mr. Yates was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton & Rosa Yates, two sisters, Hazel Landers and Betty Whaley and a brother, Hubert Yates.

He graduated from Lamar High School. He served in the Army Air Corp during World War II and worked at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. He also worked at Leon Ferenbach for 33 years as a production superintendent. He retired and became co-owner of Tri-City Lettering after marrying his high school sweetheart.

Bob coached softball at both Leon Ferenbach and his church league. He was an avid U.T. football and basketball fan, as well as ETSU basketball fan.

He was a member of the Boones Creek Methodist Church for 37 years with faithful leadership. He later became a member of Boones Creek Christian Church. He served on the Boones Creek Community Chest and Ruritan Club for 15 years.

Bob was a special and loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his precious wife, Wanda Yates, of the home; son, David Yates, Johnson City; four stepchildren, Ronnie Luttrell, Jonesborough, Bobby Matherly, Greeneville, Cathy McCoy and husband, Joe, Jonesborough, Sandra Slark and husband, Wayne, Kingsport and Beth Tipton and husband, Scott, Gray; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; one brother, Earl Yates; two sisters, Elsie Riley and Ruby O’Dell, both of Johnson City; and several nephews and nieces.

We would like to thank everyone that touched Bob’s life and our lives with love and prayers, kindness in every way. God has blessed us with special friends and family. We would like to give special thanks to the entire staff of NHC Healthcare Center. They gave “Pappy” all the love and care anyone could ever ask for during his illness. They were each and everyone a true blessing.

Funeral services will be conducted 7:00 PM Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at the Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Garland James, a long time family friend and previous pastor, officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Tuesday prior to the service.

Interment services will be conducted 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 23 2013 at Tri-City Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Jeremy Tipton, Tyler McCoy, Cody Preciado, Billy Luttrell, Layton Smith, Hunter Preciado and Cameron Smith.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Northeast Tennessee Chapter 207 N. Boone Street Suite 1500 Johnson City, TN 37604.